(Newser)
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American Idol star David Cook choked back tears and left the stage last night in his first performance since his brother's death, People reports. "It's gonna be tough for me," he told the Akron, Ohio crowd. But as audience members passed up cards and flowers for his brother Adam, who died last weekend of cancer, Cook was also teasing and cheerful, calling himself "Old Dave" as he chomped on gum.

He became emotional while singing Fleetwood Mac's "Tell Me Lies" and had to walk out during "Come Back to Me." After a 5-minute drum solo, Cook returned, telling the crowd that "it's been a hell of a week. It's good to be here tonight."